Thursday, September 9, 2010

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing some of my former college roommates! My immediate roommate was visiting from Turkey -- she's lived there for 5 years -- so it was cause for a special dessert to accompany our conversation.

I found this recipe on a Betty Crocker calendar that I have hanging in my office.

Hello.
My name is SnoWhite and I'm addicted to cooking.

The original recipe added frosting to the top of this cake -- and I can't imagine actually serving it with frosting. It would have completely detracted from the cake itself.

Although ice cream... that's an excellent addition.

The cake is made with a cake mix -- and typically, I've made the recipe using applesauce. However, I recently learned through Pinterest that you can make a box cake mix using nothing more than 1 C Greek Yogurt & 1 C water. Really.

And, it's amazing. So light and fluffy -- and it decreases the calories substantially.

If you're looking for an easy fall dessert that is sure to impress -- try this one!

Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan. While butter melts, add in the whipping cream and brown sugar. Heat until butter is completely melted.

Meanwhile, peel 4 medium apples and cut them into slices. I would cut them into quarters and then in thin slices. I tried doing circles/half circles of apples, but it was hard to cut through the larger pieces when the cake was served.

Then, mix up the cake mix, 1 C Greek Yogurt, 1 C water and spices together until well blended.

Pour the butter/brown sugar mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 glass baking dish.

Then, carefully layer the apples over the top of the caramel sauce. {Note: do not eat any caramel and apples. Even though it is challenging. Do. Not. Taste. ;-) }

Gently spoon the cake mix over the top of the apples and caramel sauce.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cool the dessert in the pan for 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the sides of the pan with a spatula.

Then, place a large serving tray, or cookie sheet over the top of the pan.

Invert the pan onto the serving tray and allow the pan to sit for 1 minute so that the caramel can drizzle over the cake. Remove the glass baking dish after 1 minute or so. Don't let the pan sit too long or your cake will become overly moist from the humidity.

When cooking, please make sure to follow kitchen hygiene and safety -- cook meat until internal temperature is at safe levels, always check labels for allergens, and use caution in the kitchen -- I love sharing recipes, but I am not liable for damages done as a result of trying these recipes.